This will be a top notch technically oriented event, organized by Progress users for Progress users. If you can only do one thing this year, attending PUG Challenge should be at the top of your list.— Michael LonskiPUG Central (DC, Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina

We are all excited about the upcoming PUG Challenge Americas conference. Everyone is looking forward to reconnecting in person with the outstanding Progress professional Community!— Paul GuggenheimChicago Area PUG

We're very excited about PUG Challenge Americas. Several of our members look forward to attending!— Joseph M. Towns IIIWashington Progress Users Group President

Rich technical content, a blend of old, current and new, a wealth of networking opportunities, options to explore all Progress technologies, along with the support and backing of PSC? It's the 'Perfect Storm!'— Joseph M. Towns IIIWashington Progress Users Group President

It's time to get the band back together... PUG Challenge-Americas!— Bob BrennanNEPUG President

High on technical content, low on marketing fluff and a fine selection of great beers... PUG Challenge-Americas!— Bob BrennanNEPUG President

There is nothing as sweet as sharing a great beer with good friends while tussling over some technical minutia after hours. Reserve your bar stool today.— Bob BrennanNEPUG President

The networking that takes place in the bar and hallways after hours is as much a part of Exchange's legacy as the various keynotes and formal sessions.— Bob BrennanNEPUG President

I am excited that this conference is being held in the Americas!— Bob BrennanNEPUG President

I am anxious to see many of my old friends again and meet plenty of new ones!— Bob BrennanNEPUG President

The time has come ... for a solid Progress technical conference, at an affordable price, and at an affordable hotel. I'll be there to learn, to teach, to network, to share — and not to spend big bucks for all the fancies.— Arthur FinkMaine Progress Users Group

The Progress community has gone too long without a technical face to face conference. The welcome mat is out for PUG Challenge in New England.— Arthur FinkMaine Progress Users Group

NY Metro PUG members are thrilled at having a low cost, in person PUG conference. No virtual conference can do what an in-person conference can do in terms of networking and peer education.— Ed ShellmanNY Metro Progress Users Group

The QAD and Epicor communities are excited about the upcoming PUG Challenge Americas conference. Members of Northern California PUG will definitely be at the conference!— Jag SomalNorthern California PUG

PUG Challenge Americas FAQ

PUG Challenge Americas 2019 is October 6-9.

What is the meaning of "Challenge"?

Nothing special really. The whole idea of a 2 day technical meeting came at the late 90's from Jop Kluis. In a brainstorm we came up with the name. And of course everything is a challenge: organizing it, being there and have the great feeling when hundreds of people have a great time learning a lot!

-- Bert TukkersPUG Challenge EMEA

Why Greater Boston?

Staying close to Progress HQ gives us a major leg up in attracting Progress engineers to the conference. The location is served by both Boston (Logan) airport and Manchester NH's airport. Boston has many non-stop flights to/from major cities. Manchester NH is very easy to get in and out of and served by all the major airlines. Both airports are serverd by Southwest Airlines -- meaning that fares are low.

Travel Tips

Which airport is closest?

The conference site is easily reached from both Boston (BOS) and Manchester (MHT) airport.

If you are connecting somewhere, rather than flying non-stop, MHT is a much better option. The hotel has regular shuttle service to and from MHT and there is no reason to rent a car for the conference.

If you do fly into Boston there is a bus service from Logan airport directly to the conference hotel: Boston Express The Manchester NH bus stop is at the parking garage for the conference hotel. Make sure that you take a Bus going to Manchester NH Not all of them do.

Boston is, obviously, the larger airport and is well served by all of the major domestic airlines as well as many international carriers. It is, however, located in Boston Harbor so you will have to deal with Boston's traffic to get in and out. It is approximately 60 miles from Boston's Logan Airport to downtown Manchester.

MHT has much less traffic and is very easy to get in and out of. It is served by all of the major domestic airlines except for Jet Blue. About half of the flights are B737/A320 type of aircraft. Most of the rest are "regional jets". There are a small number of turbo-props (connections to LGA & EWR).

Pricing for both BOS and MHT is heavily influenced by the presence, at both, of Southwest Airlines. Boston can sometimes be cheaper for international flights due to competition from foreign carriers with direct flights into Boston.

Which airport has the most non-stop flights?

That depends a bit on where you are coming from but BOS is going to be the best if you are on the west coast or an international attendee. If you are on the east coast MHT has a lot of non-stops.

If a non-stop flight is important to you be very careful booking! Airlines often advertise "direct" flights as if they are non-stops. But they stop in the middle, you usually have to deplane and they very often have "unscheduled" equipment changes -- which means that you get to change planes.

Which airport has the best connections?

Both airports are served by most of the major carriers and have plenty of connecting service.

Do I need to rent a car?

Not if you only plan to be at the conference hotel. The hotel is in downtown Manchester NH and there are many dining and entertainment options within very easy walking distance.

The hotel also has a shuttle service running regularly to and from MHT. There is really no need at all to rent a car.

What time do I need to leave to make my flight home?

If you are flying out of BOS and it is not near rush hour you should allow at least 90 minutes to get to the airport. If you rented a car you should add another 30 minutes to return the rental. If it is close to rush hour you should probably allow at least two hours to get to Boston.

If you are flying out of MHT it will only take 10 minutes to get to the airport. The rental car return is right next to the terminal and takes no extra time. But you should not need a rental car if you are flying MHT, just take the hotel shuttle (pre-arrange your shuttle with the front desk for best results).

Airlines and car rental companies like to advise you to be at the airport 2 hours early to clear security and get to the gate. So, worst case, for BOS, would be to leave the hotel 4 hours prior to departure. For MHT 2 hours (but security lines at MHT are not usually very long).

I would like to find a way to share a ride between the airport and the conference. Can you help?